The Lady Arpels Papillon Automate is one of Van Cleef & Arpels’ 2017 novelties, a poetic masterpiece that combines high jewelry artistry with a captivating mechanical animation inspired by a butterfly in flight.
The 38mm white gold case, fully set with brilliant-cut diamonds, frames a mesmerizing dial that depicts a flower-filled garden crafted from enamel, diamonds, and sapphires. At 9 o’clock rests a three-dimensional butterfly, whose enamel wings gently open and close — a graceful motion that unfolds over time and serves as the watch’s most poetic and technically complex feature.
The frequency of the butterfly’s wing beats depends on the watch’s activity. When unworn and at rest, the wings open and close 19 times per hour; when worn, the motion can increase to up to 38 times per hour. In addition, the animation can be activated on demand by pressing the pusher located at 8 o’clock, allowing the wearer to summon this enchanting scene at any moment.
The caseback is engraved with a delicate floral and starry motif, while the curved, fluted crown ensures a comfortable grip during winding.
Van Cleef & Arpels Lady Arpels Papillon Automate
Case: White gold, fully set with brilliant-cut diamonds, Diameter: 38mm, Crystal: Sapphire, Dial: Enamel and miniature painting, set with diamonds, blue, pink-violet, and purple sapphires, and mother-of-pearl inlays, Movement: Self-winding mechanical movement with automaton mechanism,Strap: Alligator leather with white gold buckle, Water resistance: 30 meters.
Van Cleef & Arpels Lady Arpels Papillon AutomateCase: White gold, fully set with brilliant-cut diamonds, Diameter: 38mm, Crystal: Sapphire, Dial: Enamel and miniature painting, set with diamonds, blue, pink-violet, and purple sapphires, and mother-of-pearl inlays, Movement: Self-winding mechanical movement with automaton mechanism,Strap: Alligator leather with white gold buckle, Water resistance: 30 meters.
